351 December 17 IMG_1525
These ants are tending leafhopper nymphs. The ants keep them safe in the joints of the twigs in return for honeydew, the sugary waste product left after leafhopper digestion. With thanks to Rose Fletcher for the explanation. Ant is Iridomyrmex, probably purpureus. (Ant ID by Mark Newton.)
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Uploaded on December 17, 2017
Taken on December 17, 2017
351 December 17 IMG_1525
These ants are tending leafhopper nymphs. The ants keep them safe in the joints of the twigs in return for honeydew, the sugary waste product left after leafhopper digestion. With thanks to Rose Fletcher for the explanation. Ant is Iridomyrmex, probably purpureus. (Ant ID by Mark Newton.)
1,914
views
0
faves
0
comments
Uploaded on December 17, 2017
Taken on December 17, 2017